Conspiracy
Our Conspiracy Defence Solicitors in Nuneaton are specialists in handling these intricate cases, ensuring our clients receive the strongest defence possible.
As a comprehensive criminal law firm, we can also represent you in any associated charges.
We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm with offices in Nuneaton. Our solicitors leverage advanced technology to deliver streamlined, modern, and highly effective criminal defence services. With years of experience in criminal law, we have established connections with some of the UK’s top Barristers and King’s Counsel. Our clients benefit from our ability to engage the nation’s leading expert witnesses to provide the Court with crucial facts supporting a not guilty plea or mitigating sentencing.
Advising and Representing Those Accused of Criminal Offences
We are widely recognised as an expert Criminal Defence Law Firm for those accused of criminal activities. Our Nuneaton and Midlands-based solicitors offer 24/7 police station representation, ensuring your interests are protected from the outset. Understanding police procedures allows us to scrutinise the circumstances of your detention and work to have charges dropped if proper protocols were not followed.
Our criminal law team has extensive experience defending serious charges such as conspiracy. We collaborate with top expert witnesses to provide reliable advice and representation. We understand the stakes, including your reputation, financial security, and freedom, and we fight tirelessly on your behalf until all appeals are exhausted.
Below are common questions clients have about conspiracy charges.
What is Conspiracy?
Conspiracy charges allege that you have agreed with at least one other person to engage in criminal activity. The Prosecution must demonstrate that this agreement existed and that the offence was planned, even if it was never carried out.
Conspiracy often relates to other offences like murder, terrorism, robbery, theft, drug trafficking, fraud, and sexual exploitation. These cases are typically complex and involve multiple defendants. The following organisations may prosecute conspiracy cases:
- National Crime Agency
- Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
- Trading Standards Officers
- Post Office
- Serious Fraud Office
- Regional Asset Recovery Teams
- Local Authorities
What Does the Prosecution Need to Prove in a Conspiracy Case?
To secure a conviction for conspiracy, the Prosecution must show:
- You and at least one other person agreed to commit a criminal act.
- You intended to make this agreement and intended for it to be executed. Case law states that simply failing to prevent the criminal act can be enough for a conviction.
- You were aware of or knew the circumstances constituting the full offence.
No conspiracy exists without an agreement, which can be challenging for the Prosecution to prove. For example, if A and B agree to assault C but B is the intended victim, and A and C are setting a trap, there can be no conspiracy as C cannot agree to assault themselves. In R v Taylor [2002] Crim LR 205, it was held that there is no conspiracy liability for C when A, B, and C agree to import cannabis, but A and B import cocaine instead.
A husband and wife cannot conspire alone; a third party must be involved.
Our Criminal Defence Solicitors possess the expertise and knowledge necessary to defend you against conspiracy charges and any related offences successfully.
What is the Penalty for Conspiracy?
Penalties for conspiracy vary depending on the linked crime. In Cooke [2017] EWCA Crim 1272, the Court highlighted that in conspiracy cases:
“a conspiracy rather than a substantive offence is alleged it will be important for a court to analyse carefully the position of an individual offender if it is sentencing in those circumstances. Those involved in a conspiracy can play different roles or be involved in different ways and the court must be astute to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to the guideline”.
What is ‘Conspiracy in Common Law’?
Legislation has abolished most forms of common law conspiracy, except for conspiracy to defraud, and conspiracy to corrupt public morals or outrage public decency. The latter is now rarely seen in court.
Why Choose Us?
No matter the charges, you are entitled to a defence. We do not judge our clients; our sole aim is to defend you against prosecution allegations. By choosing us, you significantly enhance your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence. It is crucial to contact us as soon as you become aware of any criminal charges.
Cocks Lloyd Solicitors provides exceptional Conspiracy and Criminal Law services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nuneaton, Tamworth, Atherstone, Hinckley and Leicester, but across Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Conspiracy and Criminal Law, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0247) 6641642, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.